Modular reconfigurable appliance

ABSTRACT

A modular reconfigurable appliance receptacle having an array of connectors to accommodate to hold a plurality of different appliance units is provided. The modular reconfigurable appliance unit receptacle comprises a frame for holding various appliance units in different spatial configuration, generally horizontal and vertical, and connectors to quickly connect and/or disconnect the appliance units to the type of power utility necessary, such as gas for a stove, and electricity for a microwave oven. The appliance units are removably attached within the frame, and are interchangeable such that they are configurable as desired and can be removed for repair or replacement, with ease. To add to the configurablity of the receptacle, the frame permits one or more appliance units in both vertical and horizontal spaces within and on the frame. The appliance units can be modified to change their appearance with removably attachable decorative covers, such that interchangeability and modification are made quick, easy and affordable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a line of kitchen and/or foodservice-type appliances that can be interchanged within a frame suchthat as conditions require, different types of appliances can be quicklyremoved and replaced. More particularly the present invention concerns aframe and a plurality of both generally vertically oriented appliances,such as ovens, and generally horizontally oriented appliances such asstove tops all of which are interchangeable, respective to orientation,within the frame

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current ranges and other appliances do not offer flexibility. That is,when an oven is purchased that oven remains an oven for its entireuseful life and cannot be modified to be any other appliance. However,sometimes a conventional oven is purchased and several years latercooking styles require the use of a microwave or convection type oveninstead, requiring the purchase of a new oven. Further, if a particularkitchen and/or food preparation and service area is too small toaccommodate a new appliance, the original conventional oven must be soldor, if sale is not possible, discarded as a complete loss.

Generally all conventional appliances have a similar limitation, that isthat once selected the appliance can only be used for its primary taskwith little possibility for modification, advancement or change of task.Some of the known specific disadvantages of existing appliances, andspecifically kitchen and foodservice area related equipment include:

Standardization of Models. Presently, manufacturers of appliances offertheir wares as standardized models. These units are not always designedto meet the needs of the end user. Rather, the end user is often forcedto adapt his or her appliance needs to the equipment that is available,perhaps resulting in an undesirable operational or functionalcompromise.

Limited Modifications. Modifications to the current equipment are laborintensive, if they are even possible. Such modifications include, amongothers, changing a stove from a four to a five burner system, orreplacing burners with a griddle or grill feature, among others. Thesemodifications require service-authorized technicians to performmodifications and the “end work” must usually be done in the field orthe entire unit must be shipped back to the factory. Any suchmodification or remanufacturing generally result in higher costs for thefood preparation industry.

Cost of Modifications. The modifications that can currently be made to“standard equipment” generally require re-evaluation by the variousapproval agencies (such as UL, ETL, NSF and others). Such re-evaluationcan significantly increases the cost of customizing equipment, as wellas lead time for production, and can reduce the viability of making anysuch alterations required or desired by the end user.

Maintenance and Repair. The original unit, once set in place, is oftendifficult to remove and/or access as such units are generally built intocabinets or onto wall units. As a result, most service calls areexecuted in the field. Service calls in the field are typicallyexpensive and are often inefficient, as all parts are typically notcarried by service personnel, or initial diagnosis of a problem can beincorrect requiring more extensive repairs than first thought.Additionally, if a piece of equipment fails, the entire unit mustusually be repaired or replaced in its entirety. As is known, by personshaving skill in the art, the cost of repairs in the field can besignificantly higher than at the factory or at a local, centralizedservice agency. Further, on-site service is typically one of amanufacturer's largest variables or unknown costs.

Upgrades and Expandability. Similar to modifications, upgrades andexpansions of appliances are typically difficult and costly, if possibleand available. Once again, an authorized service technician wouldtypically be required to make a service visit at considerable cost andtime.

Repetitive Inventory. Because most currently available units aremanufactured as a single or unitary piece, additional and costlyinventory is often required by manufacturers and distributors in orderto keep products available for purchase and for replacement parts. Forexample, an existing equipment format might require that two six-burnerranges be stocked, one with a standard oven base and one with aconvection oven base.

Multiple Formats. Current equipment components utilize a variety offootprints and configurations. This variety increases the production anddevelopment costs of a line of products. Because some kitchen and/orfood service areas require appliances with a smaller footprint thanothers, in order for a manufacturer (or a distributor) to accommodatecustomers necessitating different size appliances, the manufacturer (ordistributor) must stock units of all sizes and footprints, consumingstorage and display space.

Established Utility Connections. Current equipment supplies andavailabilities are based around specific utility formats such as voltageand phase. A change in the voltage or phase of a piece of equipmenttypically requires the services of an authorized service technician,which as noted above, can be costly.

It is therefore desirable to provide a cooking line, both for commercialand domestic usage, that is designed to keep up with the growingrequirements of the evolving food and beverage industry and/or the needsof the modern home.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

We have invented an modular appliance receptacle that eliminates most ofthe above noted problems while accommodating numerous cooking andkitchen and/or food service preparation appliances and products.Advantageously, the inventive modular appliance receptacle is: userfriendly, convenient, economical, easy to manufacture, durable andeffective.

It is further desirable to provide a composed, modular, reconfigurableand interchangeable appliance which overcomes most, if not all, of thepreceding disadvantages. Other advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent hereinafter.

In accordance with the present invention, a modular reconfigurableappliance receptacle having one or more appliance units is provided. Theappliance receptacle has a frame for holding at least one of theappliance units and comprises a connector for connecting one or moreappliance units to utilities as needed. For example, the frame can haveconnection points, in standard positions, for electricity, gas, waterand universal connection ports, such as described hereafter.

The appliance receptacle can be sold with appliance units removablyattached within or alone, such that at least one of the plurality ofappliance units available can be operatively and removably attachedwithin the frame. Further the attached appliance unit can be, whendesired, operatively and removably replaced, such that the appliancesare interchangeable, with another of the plurality of appliance units.

In one preferred embodiment, the modular reconfigurable appliancereceptacle has a frame having at least one first bay for insertion of atleast one generally vertically oriented unit and at least one second bayfor placement of at least one generally horizontally oriented unit. Inthis preferred embodiment, at least one connector and preferably anarray series or set of connectors that provide a connector assembly foroperably connecting units to utilities as needed are included, such thateither a gas, electric, water or steam appliance can be installed in theframe with equal ease. The frame permits one or more of a plurality ofinterchangeable appliance units to be removably placed, attached orsecured into either the first or second bay, as needed. Removable guidescan sub-divide the top into 1, 2 or 3 sections. Further, one or moreunits can be interchanged with another similarly oriented unit whenrepair or exchange is need or desired.

In one preferred embodiment, the interchangeable plurality of applianceunits include generally oven-shaped units and generally stove-top shapedunits. For example, the oven shaped units can be traditional gas orelectric ovens, convection ovens, warming drawers, or microwave ovens.Moreover, units such as dish washers, wine chillers, ice machines orother refrigeration units can be installed in the oven-shaped space.Further, such units as grills, burners or griddle units, both gaspowered and/or electric or sinks, refrigerators and/or steamers,additionally utilizing water or steam connections, can beinterchangeably installed in the stove-top shaped units.

It will be understood that the frame of the modular reconfigurableappliance receptacle can be constructed so that it can hold a number ofthe plurality of appliance units; in a preferred embodiment twoappliance units are can be held, one in a generally horizontalconfiguration and another in a generally vertical configuration.Further, the frame can be constructed so that it can hold more than twoappliance units or so that it can accommodate fractional units, such asone-half convection oven and one-half microwave oven in the same frame,or one-half burner stove top and one half griddle stove top. Thefractional units being interchangeable among a number of such units.

As an example, which is not intended to be limiting, it will be seenthat in one frame unit, an owner (or the manufacturer or distributor)can place a microwave oven and a convection oven, either side by side orone atop the other, in a vertical-oriented opening, and two burners, agriddle and a grill unit in a horizontal-oriented opening. The user can,at some time, remove the microwave oven and the convection oven andreplace them with one or more replacement units; for example, both canbe replaced with one conventional gas oven. It will be understood thatthe modular frame can also be used without each potential receptaclelocation being occupied. Generic covers, sized and configured for therequired size and orientation of the vacant slot, would allow theflexibility to add appliances when convenient, and not necessarily atthe time of initial purchase. The burners, griddle and grill can bereplaced, as desired, with a single unit of six burners, which could begas or electric, notwithstanding the power source of the original threeunits. It will be understood that one or more gas units and one or moreelectrical units can be used simultaneously in each opening, verticallyor horizontally oriented, without departing from the novel scope of thepresent invention. In this way, should it be desired, a gas oven, anelectric microwave, a set of gas burners and an electric griddle couldall be used in the same frame.

It will be understood, further, that one or more of the appliances,based on the utility requirements of that particular appliance, canattach to and utilize more than one utility type simultaneously. That isto say, a particular appliance, for example, may require both water andelectricity and shall have the capacity to connect and utilize bothutility formats simultaneously. Further, in a separate embodiment agenerally vertical receptacle is provided such that a plurality of agenerally vertically shaped appliances can be installed. For example, amicrowave oven, a conventional oven and a convection oven can beinstalled in such a frame, and later interchanged with other similarlyshaped appliances, as needed or desired.

A more detailed explanation of the invention is provided in thefollowing description and claims and is illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame of the present invention inaccordance with principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the frame of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a utility chassis, with various utilityconnections, for use with the device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the utility chassis of FIG. 3, takenalong the plane of line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is a front elevational view of a modular appliance constructedin accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a front elevational view of another modular applianceconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 5C is a front elevational view of a further modular applianceconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a front elevational view of an upright modular applianceconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a front elevational view of another upright modular applianceconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 6C is a front elevational view of another upright modular applianceconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following is a description of the best mode and preferredembodiments for practicing the invention. While the present invention issusceptible of embodiments in various forms, there is shown in thedrawings a number of presently preferred embodiments that are discussedin greater detail hereafter. It should be understood that the presentdisclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the presentinvention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specificembodiments illustrated. It should be further understood that the titleof this section of this application (“Detailed Description of theInvention”) relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office,and should not be found to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a modular reconfigurable appliance receptacleincludes a frame 10 having sidewalls 12 and a bottom 14. The bottom 14can be formed as a solid base 14 a (FIG. 1), or can include legs orcasters 14 b (FIG. 2). If casters 14 b are used, the whole frame 10 canbe wheeled from one location to another.

The frame 10 forms an enclosure 16 with a front opening 18. The interioror cavity 20 of the frame 10, in a first embodiment, can be partitionedby a generally planar or flat horizontal divider 22 into bays such as anupper portion 24 (first bay) and a lower portion 26 (second bay). Theupper portion 24 can be further subdivided by upright vertical adapters28. The back of the enclosure 30 can be formed with a universal flueriser 32. The universal flue riser 32 can be configured so as to providea smoke and gas discharge as needed.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, enclosure or back 30 can provide anddefine a utility chassis 34. Utility chassis 34 provides access to powerand gas utilities as well as steam and water connections for the variousaccessories or appliances 35 forming the cooking line, as explained ingreater detail below. As shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4, theutility chassis 34 can provide a plurality of sockets 36 of varioustypes. More particularly, at regular intervals along the length of thechassis 34, there can be provided clusters 38 of sockets 36. Preferably,each cluster 38 includes a top portion 38 a and a bottom portion 38 b.Each cluster portion 38 a, 38 b could, in the illustrated embodiment,include identical sets 40 of sockets 36. Preferably, each socket 36 isof a quick-connect type socket 36, as is known in the art, ready toaccept a matching plug from an accessory, as described in greater detailbelow.

More specifically, a cluster portion 38 a, 38 b, in specificembodiments, may include one or more of the following types of sockets36; gas 42, hot water 44, cold water 46, high voltage (480 vac) 48, andlow voltage (120/208 vac) 50 as well as other sockets 36 for new orother utilities as they are developed and incorporated into appliances35 and houses. It will be understood, by persons having skill in the artthat new utilities, such as computer or Internet based and othercommunication based utilities may be utilized in food preparation andprocesses and therefore utilities related thereto can be incorporated inthe present invention without departing from the novel scope thereof.

The position of each socket 36 within each cluster portion 38 a and 38b, can be preferably identical. In this way, each appliance 35 can bemade in a standard format to ease the interchangeability of appliances35 in an appliance 35 line. However, modification, such as changes inposition can be accommodated such as with conversion units withoutdeparting from the novel spirit and scope of the present invention.Additionally, each cluster 36 can be provided with required safetydevices such as shut-off valves or electrical breakers (not shown) andquick disconnect devices for gas, water and electricity and others. Eachof such safety and quick release devices can be adapted to close anyoneor more of the respective utility and can be of types which are wellknown in the art. The shut-off valves can be arranged to shut off theutility for each portion independently, or can be arranged to shut offthe utility for both portions of a cluster. It will be understood that,additional sockets 36 for other services can be incorporated into thechassis 34, such as vacuum, air, etc. The supply for all of the servicesis provided to a common location can be located either in the back orthe side of the frame.

Referring now to FIG. 3 some examples of well known quick-connect typeelectrical and plumbing connectors 42 are shown. In the embodimentsshown, the top and bottom cluster portions 38 a and 38 b (FIG. 3) areidentical, however, in other embodiments, these cluster portions can bedifferent, as necessary for the particular appliance 35 or type ofappliance 35. As previously discussed, the frame 10 has a modular designand can be constructed in either standard size, or several standardsizes, such as in increments of 6, 12 or 3 inches to accept accessoriesand/or appliances 35 of corresponding widths. Because the cavity 20(FIG. 1) within the frame 10 is partitioned into an upper 28 and a lower26 portion, each portion 26, 28 can be used to accommodate a differentappliance 35 and/or accessory. Importantly, the upper portions 44 a ofeach utility portions 44 are arranged and constructed to accept and matewith the plugs 46 of a corresponding appliance 35. More specifically,one appliance 35 can be inserted into the bottom portion 20 a of thecavity through opening 18 and another appliance 35 can be inserted intothe top portion 20 b or compartment. Each appliance 35 (FIG. 2) can beconstructed, in a convenient place and to correspond with a modularconnection system, with its own plug 46 (FIG. 3) so that once theappliance 35 is inserted into the frame 10, it is automaticallyconnected to the sockets 36 within the respective cluster portion.

Accessories and appliances 35 for the cooking line are sized,constructed and arranged to fit into either the upper or lower portionof the frame interior, with connectors formed on their back surface. Theaccessories and appliances 35 can then be installed by sliding themlaterally into the respective interior portion until the quickconnectors on their back surface couple or mate with the respect sockets36 of the utility chassis 34. In this manner, as soon as an accessory orappliance 35 is introduced into the frame, it is automatically connectedto the respective utility lines that it requires and it is ready foruse.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a universal flue riser 32 can be provided inthe back of the frame. Riser 32 can be connected to a flue riser orother ventilation connection in a manner known to persons having skillin the art. Riser 32 permits any appliance device 35 that requiresventing, such as certain types of ovens, having for example broilermeans, and cook top grills, to be vented through an exhaust duct and outof the kitchen and/or food service area and building. Additionally, asshown by the broken lines in FIG. 2, the frame 10 can be provided withan extension 10 e that can support a secondary appliance holding space11. Space 11 can be provided with its own utility chassis 34 a, asrequired, and can accommodate additional accessories and appliances 35that can be installed in the same manner as the accessories andappliances 35 in the main frame interior.

As will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, someaccessories and appliances 35 can require additional connections. Forexample, a sink may require a drain. These additional connections can beprovided through the back wall of the frame, either before, or after theaccessory or appliance has been installed.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C, a number of combinations of appliances 35 areshown, as examples. In FIG. 5A, the frame 10 accommodates a 36-inch oven35 a in its lower portion 26 and three double gas burner 35 b units inthe upper portion 24. As previously discussed, frames 10 can be providedin various, preferably modular, lengths as needed. However, two or moreframes 10 can also be positioned side by side; further, in such unitsthe utility chasses 34 can be interconnected in a manner known bypersons having skill in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, it can be seen that one frame 10 can be madeto hold a gas or a microwave oven 50 in the lower portion 26, a radialfin 52, a double gas burner 54 and an induction heating unit 56 in theupper portion 24. An auxiliary frame 10 a can be attached to the rightside 10 r of the frame 10 and can be constructed and arranged to includea sink 58 in the upper portion 24. The frames 10, 10 a are provided withlegs 14 a for a base. It will be understood that the configuration shownis only illustrative of the almost innumerable combinations that arecontemplated in the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 5C, it will be see that frame 10 is mounted onwheels or casters 14 b. It will be understood by persons having skill inthe art that other arrangements of providing a base, legs or casters forthe device of the present invention can be used without departing fromthe novel spirit and scope thereof. In FIG. 5C a refrigerator 58 isplaced in the lower portion 26, and a charbroiler 60 and a hot top 62 inthe upper portion 24. Further, an auxiliary frame 10 b is mounted on theright side 10 r of frame 10, to provide a work surface 64 withcantilevered brackets that promote pan sliders 66 to receive trays orpans in the interior compartment or chamber 64 b. It will be understoodthat the configuration shown is only illustrative of one of numerouscombinations that are contemplated in the present invention.

In several of the preferred embodiments, as described, a rectangular orbox-like frame 10 has been noted. Referring now to FIGS. 6A-68C it canbe seen that an upright or vertical frame 70 can be provided to createappliances and appliance combinations utilizing free vertical space in akitchen and/or food service area. It will be understood that in apreferred embodiment, a vertical utility chassis, not shown but similarin design to the utility chasses shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C.

A universal frame 80 (FIGS. 6A-6C), that is either the originallydescribed frame 10 or the vertical frame 70, can be designed andconstructed to accept a number of different cooking surfaces 82 andcavity accessories 84. Frame 80 can feature solid construction usingeither welding or bolting, or any manner of joining structural elementsto form a solidly constructed frame, as known by persons having ordinaryskill in the art, featuring the level of quality desired by the consumeror required by code or other governmental, consumer, approval (such asUL, ASTM or others.) or manufacturing group guidelines. It will beunderstood by persons having skill in the art that all types ofstructural materials, including, but not limited to steel, iron,aluminum, alloys of metal, wood, plastics, rubber and other materialshaving desirable characteristics, such as strength, ease of manipulationand construction as well as and flexibility, can be used in themanufacture of the frames and other elements of the receptacles withoutdeparting from the novel scope of the present invention.

The required utility infrastructure, provided as part of the frame 80itself, can be manufactured, in a manner well known in the art, so as todistribute the required utilities throughout the frame 80. Interlockingconnectors of the type known in the art can securely and removablyfasten the range frames 80 and utility infrastructure componentstogether in desired and desirable configurations.

The frames 80 (FIGS. 6A-6C) can be installed either on casters 14 b, formobility and easy cleaning, or on a structural base 14, for morepermanent installations. Where used, the structural base 14 willeliminate the need for a separate concrete curb, as often required bycode or manufacturer. Each such frame 80 can be pre-drilled to accepteither casters or a base configuration.

Appliance components inserted to comprise the cooking surface of anappliance combination can vary in function and size. The cooking surfaceof the frame can be designed to accept one (1), two (2) or three (3)components, depending on the size and design of the individualcomponent. For example, the 36″ cooking surface may accept three (3) 12″modules or two (2) 18″ modules, or one (1) 36″ griddle top.

In an alternate embodiment, to add or remove one of the cooking surfaceaccessories, a release 102, 104 (as explained below) is depressed andthe accessory can be released from secure attachment to the surface. Forgas units, a gas quick-disconnect valve 41 (FIG. 3) can be depressed,releasing the accessory from the range. In the case of electricalcooking surfaces, the unit will be unplugged, releasing the accessoryfrom the range. Once the accessory is removed, it can be replaced with adifferent component or standardized flat panel, which will serve as awork surface.

Similar to the cooking surface, the cavity 20 (FIG. 1) of the modularreconfigurable appliance receptacle can include the same type of quickrelease feature 100 for gas, water, and electric components. Amechanical button 102 (FIG. 5A) on the front face of a range 35 canactivate the release. Thus, the cavity components 35 can be removed forrepair or replacement with ease.

Both the cooking surface and cavity gas connections can have a gas quickdisconnect 104 (FIG. 5A) with such means as a ball valve that preventsgas from leaking from the plumbing fixtures, and other means known topersons having skill in the art. It is well known that a ball valveworks by allowing gas to flow when the unit is properly connected andstopping such flow when disconnected. When the unit is removed, gas willnot be able to flow, so as to provide safety from gas release in amanner known to persons having ordinary skill in the art.

As previously discussed, a full-height frame 70 (FIGS. 6A-6C) can alsobe constructed so as to accept two (2) appliance components 35, one inthe lower cavity and one in the upper cavity of the full-height frame.This allows the end user additional flexibility to create equipmentpieces, through the use of available accessories and components, thatwill best suit the end users needs.

In a preferred embodiment, the units are provided with interchangeablecovers 110 (FIGS. 5A and 6C) such that a user can determine a specificlook for the appliance units, such as to provide a specific theme in akitchen or food service area. In a specific example, should a particularcolor or material, such as stainless steel or enameled steel, or thelike, be desired, particular form fitting covers, of a type similar tothose used with modern cellular telephones and/or replaceable frontfacade panels, can be placed onto the appliance units. As will beunderstood by persons having skill in the art, such panels can beinstalled in any of a variety of manners including, snap fittings, byuse of fasteners (such as screws), adhesives and hook and eye fasteners(such as that sold under the brand name Velcro®). The ability to changethe appearance of appliance units permits the user to modify existingsets of appliances of the present invention, without purchasing newunits, such that if the type of appliance(s) previously purchased arestill necessary for a particular food service setting and a refreshingof a style or mode is desired, an inexpensive but dramatic change can bemade. Further, as restaurants and homes move for more dramatic decors intheir respective food service areas, the present invention permits theuser to decorate in these areas in ways previously unavailable. It willbe understood that access to the utilities already provided through theutility distribution system will allow for both simple and sophisticateddecorative adapters ranging in shape, size, color, material, etc. Suchsophisticated adapters could include lights, moving parts, and othersuch integral features that may be desired to integrate with orotherwise enhance the adjacent decor.

Among the many advantages of the inventive, modular, reconfigurableappliance and cooking line of commercial and/or domestic food serviceequipment are the following:

Flexibility: The end user will have unprecedented flexibility tocustomize his or her cooking equipment, either during the initial orderor in the field. The possible combinations will be endless. This featurewill also reduce the cost of upkeep, upgrades, and menu changes by theoperator.

Variable Size: The use of frames in the different available sizes willallow the creation of a customizable range in various increments, suchas established increments, such as 3 or 6 or 12-inch increments. It willbe understood that while units in inches are given, herein, standardunits in either imperial or metric denominations could be used withoutdeparting from the novel scope of the present invention.

Variable Installation Methods: The same range frame can be installed oncasters or a structural base. The end user will specify at the time ofordering which is desired. Both installation methods, however, will bebased on the same means of securing the appliance within the frame andthe utilities to the appliance.

Plug and Play Capability: Much like a computer system, the frame willaccept standardized components for the cooking surface or the cavity, asthe end-user needs them. If desired, a customer could order a frame andthree (3) two-burner tops, leaving the cavity component as a futurepurchase. As a result, the equipment meets the needs of the end-user,not the other way around.

End User Buy-in: The end user would be investing in a system, and notjust one, freestanding piece of equipment. This could certainly have apositive effect on sales. Incremental sales, or the purchase ofadditional component, are also more likely and could increase potentialrevenue.

Longer Life, Lower Cost: Because of the format and flexibility, the lifecycle cost associated with this product will be lower than the averagerange line. If an accessory is no longer operational or desirable, theend-user can replace the accessory, keeping the frame and otheraccessories in tact. This extends the usable life, and lowers the costof future replacements.

Maintenance and Repair: The costs of service can be significantlyreduced, while simultaneously minimizing customer inconvenience. Withmodular accessories, the individual component can be removed forservicing. Replacement components can be kept in stock by local serviceagencies and loaned to the end-user to minimize downtime. The defectiveor non-working accessory can then be serviced at the local serviceagent's facility, or sent to a central repair facility operated by themanufacturer. In either event, the number of field service agent hours,and the subsequent costs, can both be reduced.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Removable components make routine cleaning andmaintenance easier, because the operator can readily access the parts ofthe component that require attention. As is understood by users of priorart equipment, maintenance, including servicing and cleaning, onhard-to-access areas in prior art equipment is rarely conducted.

Simplified Manufacturing: The manufacturing process would be simplified.The frames would all be of a standard format, while the accessorieswould be smaller components that require less time to produce and areeasier to handle. Additionally, the “integration” of these componentswould no longer have to be done in the factory. Rather, assembly of theframe and accessories could be done anywhere (i.e. field, dealer, etc.).

Further, the present invention can also have the following benefits:

Reduction in Cost of Research and Development: Because the format willbe universal amongst the cooking surface and cavity components, the costto develop new components will be reduce. The new items will be designedaround a universal format and can utilize the same manufacturingequipment.

Reduced Cavity Component Cost: Because the frame will serve as thestructural element, the individual components do not need to replicatethis structural integrity for the range. The components can also rely onthe structure of the range for support with locking and/or supportingmechanisms. The result is a reduction of materials and cost for thesecomponents.

Universal Approvals: Modifications and customization of current productstypically require the manufacturer to re-submit the altered product tothe required approval agencies (i.e. UL, ETL, NSF, etc.). Themanufacturer, by receiving an approval for the commercial cooling lineas a single system, and all of its available components, wouldsignificantly reduce the cost of this flexibility. No additionalapprovals should be required to make the numerous available changespossible with this commercial cooking line.

Reduction of Inventory: The inventory required to support field saleswould be significantly reduced. The manufacturer would no longer have tostock a six-burner range with a standard oven and a six-burner rangewith a convection oven. Rather, an order should be filled, such as bypulling a 36″ frame, three (3) 12″ burner sections, and either aconvection oven or standard base. Depending on the situation, thismodification could be done at the factory, at the dealership, or at thefinal destination, provided the dealership has all the required parts.

Lower Distribution Costs: Because the accessories will be smaller insize and modular, the units will be easier to ship via readilyaccessible carriers (i.e. UPS, Federal Express, etc.). A “budget series”six-burner range, for example, can be shipped in with a knocked downframe, three (3) 12″ burner sections and a cabinet or oven base . . .depending on the configuration the end-user has ordered.

Future Compatibility: Because the utilities and standardized componentconfigurations will be provided, the range frame will be able to acceptaccessories, even perhaps those that have not yet been developed.Forward compatibility is invaluable to the food and beverage industry.

Non-Cooking Accessories: Non-cooking accessories, such as customizedshelves, rails, etc., may be developed by the manufacturer and/or thirdparties. Sharing of the dimensions and configuration of this universalplatform would further entrench the brand and product in themarketplace.

Decorative Features: The current emphasis on display kitchen and/or foodservice areas and for cooking within the view of ones guests, at arestaurant or at home, requires that the cooking equipment's aestheticsbe given more attention. The plug and play format can includedecorative, customizable covers. The end-user and design team will havethe capability to further incorporate the cooking equipment into theinterior design of the space. These decorative adapters, similar tomodern cell phone cover plates, which permit the customization of celltelephones, can be provided as mechanical (requiring utilities tosupport a specific feature) or non-mechanical. The modular system andaccess to utilities provide an opportunity for incorporating bothsophisticated and simple decorative adapters.

It will be understood that a number of embodiments have been shown anddescribed, however, no limitation is to be implied by these embodiments.It will be understood by persons having skill in the art that numerousalternative possible methods for construction are available and withinthe novel scope of the present invention.

It will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, thatan important and innovative aspect of reconfigurable appliancereceptacle of the present invention is its flexibility in creating acollection of appliances or a cooking appliance that fits the needs ofthe user. The changes to appliances made possible by the presentinvention are not only in the physical changes to the way appliances aremade and configured but also a philosophical change that will clearlyresult in numerous different positive outcomes for the end-user,manufacturer, and distributor alike. With the proper manufacturing,marketing, and support, this commercial and domestic cooking line canchange the cooking appliance industry.

The changes possible to appliances include, removably-interchangeablecooking surfaces;

-   removably-interchangeable cavity components;    removably-interchangeable decorative finishes;-   provision of frames with pre-piped, pre-wired, and pre-plumbed    utility infrastructure pre-prepared to accept available components;    as well as various range or stove-top format that are expandable in    the field.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, it is to be understood that various modifications andsubstitution, as well as other appliances, equipment, devices, andconnectors, can be made by those skilled in the art without departingfrom the novel spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A modular reconfigurable appliance receptacle comprising: a pluralityof appliance units; a frame for holding at least one of the plurality ofappliance units; at least one connector for connecting the applianceunits to utilities as needed; wherein at least one of the plurality ofappliance units is operatively and removably attached within the frame;and the attached appliance unit can be operatively and removablyreplaced with another of the plurality of appliance units.
 2. Themodular reconfigurable appliance receptacle of claim 1, wherein theframe is divided into areas, such that a plurality of appliance unitscan be removably held, in each area, in the divided frame.
 3. Themodular reconfigurable appliance receptacle of claim 1, wherein theframe can be connected and/or interconnected to another frame adjacentthereto.
 4. The modular reconfigurable appliance receptacle of claim 3,including a utility chassis for connecting appliances to utilitieswithin the frame, the utility chassis being positioned such thatappliances placed in the adjacent frame can be connected to utilitieseither within the frame, or within the adjacent frame.
 5. The modularreconfigurable appliance receptacle of claim 1, wherein the frame canhold two of the plurality of appliance units, one in a generallyhorizontal configuration and another in a generally verticalconfiguration.
 6. The modular reconfigurable appliance receptacle ofclaim 1, wherein the frame can hold two or more of the plurality ofappliance units, at least one appliance unit in a generally horizontalconfiguration and at least one appliance unit in a generally verticalconfiguration.
 7. The modular reconfigurable appliance receptacle ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of appliance units includes generallyoven-shaped appliance units and generally stove-top shaped applianceunits.
 8. The modular reconfigurable appliance receptacle of claim 5,wherein a stove-top shaped appliance unit is placed in a generallyhorizontal configuration on the frame and an oven-shaped appliance unitis placed in vertical configuration on the frame.
 9. The modularreconfigurable appliance receptacle of claim 6, wherein the generallyoven-shaped appliance units are selected from the group consisting of:gas ovens, electrical ovens, convection ovens, microwave ovens,refrigeration units, dish washing units and warning drawer units. 10.The modular reconfigurable appliance receptacle of claim 8, wherein thegenerally stove top-shaped appliance units are selected from the groupconsisting of: burner units, griddle units, refrigeration, ventilationunits, and warming units.
 11. The modular reconfigurable appliancereceptacle of claim 1, wherein the appliance units comprise commercialgrade appliance units.
 12. The modular reconfigurable appliancereceptacle of claim 1, wherein the appliance units comprise domesticgrade appliance units.
 13. A modular reconfigurable appliancereceptacle, comprising: a frame having at least one first bay forinsertion of at least one substantially vertically oriented applianceunit and at least one second bay for placement of at least onesubstantially horizontally oriented appliance unit; at least oneconnector for operably connecting units to utilities as needed; whereinone or more of a plurality of interchangeable appliance units can beremovably placed and secured into either the first or second bay; andthe appliance units can be interchanged with another similarly orientedappliance unit.
 14. The modular reconfigurable appliance receptacle ofclaim 13, wherein the frame can hold two of the plurality of applianceunits, one in a generally horizontal configuration and another in agenerally vertical configuration.
 15. The modular reconfigurableappliance receptacle of claim 13, wherein the plurality of applianceunits includes generally oven-shaped appliance units and generallystove-top shaped appliance units.
 16. The modular reconfigurableappliance receptacle of claim 14, wherein a stove-top shaped applianceunit is placed in a generally horizontal configuration on the frame andan oven-shaped appliance unit is placed in a generally verticalconfiguration on the frame.
 17. The modular reconfigurable appliancereceptacle of claim 15, wherein the generally oven-shaped applianceunits are selected from the group consisting of: gas ovens, electricalovens, convection ovens, microwave ovens, small refrigeration units,dish washing units, and warming drawer units.
 18. The modularreconfigurable appliance receptacle of claim 15, wherein the generallystove top-shaped appliance units are selected from the group consistingof: burner units, griddle units, ventilation units, and warming units.19. The modular reconfigurable appliance receptacle of claim 13, whereinthe appliance units comprise commercial grade appliance units.
 20. Themodular reconfigurable appliance receptacle of claim 13, wherein theappliance units comprise domestic grade appliance units.
 21. The modularreconfigurable appliance receptacle of claim 13, wherein the frame issubstantially vertically oriented.
 22. The modular reconfigurableappliance receptacle of claim 21, wherein two appliance units areremovably attached to the frame.
 23. The modular reconfigurableappliance receptacle of claim 21, wherein three appliance units areremovably attached to the frame.
 24. The modular reconfigurableappliance receptacle of claim 13, including decorative covers andwherein the frame and appliance units include means to removably attachthe decorative covers thereto.